Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has been receiving threats and heavy criticism following Nigeria’s Super Eagles 1-1 stalemates against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Amidst heavy criticism, the Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper has deactivated his social media platform X account and is reportedly contemplating taking a break from the Super Eagles.
This consideration is said to be influenced by the desire to follow in the footsteps of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who took a break from international duties due to online abuse and threats to his life and family.
With too many errors, Nigerian football fans have expressed their disappointment over Uzoho’s goalkeeping style, conspicuously conceding a 40-yard free-kick by Walter Musona in the draw against Zimbabwe on November 19, 2023
The strained relationship between Uzoho and fans has been on the rise since his error in the ill-fated 2022 World Cup playoff loss against Ghana, where he spilled a shot by Thomas Partey.
Subsequent mistakes in international friendly games, including the AFCON 2023 matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, have fueled calls for his replacement as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, a call that head coach Jose Peseiro has resisted.
Uzoho, who made his Super Eagles debut in October 2017, was a favorite in Peseiro’s plans to guard the goal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. If the Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper proceeds with the purported international break, the Super Eagles will need to explore other goalkeeper options.
Possibilities include Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye, home-based goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke, as well as Noah Atubolu, Jonathan Rasheed, and youngster Arthur Okoronkwo.
